The 1st
Airborne Division was formed on the 1st November 1941 at the express instruction of Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill
who wanted a force of airborne troops. To this end Lt. Gen.
Fredrick "Boy" Browning was appointed Commander Paratroops & Airborne Troops.

The
distinctive maroon beret now more commonly called the "Red Beret" by most
countries airborne forces, was officially introduced in 1942, at the direction
of Lt. Gen. Browning commander of the British 1st Airborne Division. Along with
Sir Alan Brooke CIGS and an orderly who paraded in several different coloured
berets. Unable to make up his mind the orderly was asked for his opinion. The
orderly replied "Well sir I like the red beret best" This settled the matter
and the red was chosen. A maroon coloured beret was introduced for wear by
Airborne Forces on 29th July 1942 under ACI 1596. The maroon beret was first
worn in action in North Africa
during November 1942.

Illustrated
above is a photograph from the Royal Signals Museum, Blandford, of an Officer's
Bullion Beret badge on a maroon backing. (Some Airborne Signals Officers I am
advised but can not prove, wore the badge with a
dark blue backing). This was the first unofficial beret
badge that depicted "Jimmy" with no circlet or the wording Royal Corps of
Signals and no globe for "Jimmy" to stand on at the bottom. Other ranks of the
Airborne Division Signals at the time wore the conventional Royal Signals metal
badge on a maroon beret.

Below, along
with the beret photograph from the Royal Signals Museum can also be seen a
photograph of Lt. Col. Tom Stephenson OBE. commanding officer 1st Airborne
Division Signals wearing the beret and badge taken in 1944.